Band Instrument Repair
Date
July 28-August 1, 2025
On Campus
Course Code
7075B
Credits
3
Tuition
$1,296
Course Description
Don’t miss one of VanderCook’s most popular classes! Watch your instrument repair bills shrink after learning the basics of woodwind and brass instrument repair. Bringing a flute, clarinet, trombone, and French horn for basic repair assignments is recommended; additional instruments to evaluate and repair may be brought as all types of band instruments may be worked on. Students should learn and be able to demonstrate:
- Hand-on repair of various wind instruments.
- Replace pads on woodwind instruments.
- Replace tenon corks on woodwind instruments.
- Restring and clean rotor valves.
- Replace and adjust springs.
- Remove dents and general damage.
- Solder braces, keys and various parts.
- Regulation and adjustment of instruments for proper operation.
- Additional topics based on available instruments and participant interest.
See Summer Housing, Dining & Parking options.
Instructor
Gary Everett is a retired band director and department co-chair from the Oak Creek/Franklin Joint School District in Oak Creek WI. He previously held the position of chief tester at the G. LeBlanc Corporation’s headquarters in Kenosha, WI, where he was responsible for final inspection, repairs, final regulation and play-testing of all woodwind instruments before distribution. Everett also coordinated with visiting professional musicians, represented LeBlanc at area trade shows, and was a speaker during factory tours. Everett is owner and head technician of Everett Piano Services, a business dedicated to tuning, repair and restoration of pianos and related keyboard instruments. Gary is co-owner of In Tune Piano Supply, an online piano tools and parts sales company. He is a professional-level member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT), an associate member of the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG), and has been associated with the American Music Educators Repair Association (AMERA).
Everett has taught numerous repair clinics, lectured and served as an onsite repair technician for multiple school districts and colleges. Everett is active in the local music community as a musician for area bands, show bands and orchestras, including the Kenosha Pops Concert Band. Everett holds a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and a master’s degree in instrumental music education from VanderCook.